§ 57. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to making further use of the safeguard of the passport system in the protection of women and girls, particularly in the case of theatrical troupes, before they are permitted to accept engagements in a succession of foreign countries?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)In the case of all applications for passports from women and girls who are taking up employment, special precautions are taken, and in the case of theatrical artistes passports are not issued unless the contracts and conditions of employment are recommended as satisfactory by one of the recognised bodies, such as the Stage Guild or the Variety Artistes' Federation. In such cases the validity of the passport is generally limited to the country for which it is required. His Majesty's Consuls abroad have instructions to take similar precautions in the case of applications made to them either for passports or for further endorsements. I do not consider that any more stringent precautions could be taken without delay and inconvenience to ordinary travellers.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWhen these troupes of girls go from one foreign country to another, could the hon. Gentleman say through whom the inquiries are made?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI think they are made by one of these two bodies I have specified.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIf, for instance, the girls are sent over to Paris, where they are well looked after, and are then, possibly, sent to the Argentine, through whom would inquiries be made between Paris and Buenos Aires?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIt is not very easy to answer that question, but I imagine we keep in touch the whole time with the two bodies I have specified, and they find out exactly where those persons are proceeding, and what the conditions are.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these application forms are filled up in such a manner as to give the impression that the women performing in troupes are going for a holiday, and not to work? Can the hon. Gentleman say how that can be avoided?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThat is exactly what these two bodies take care to avoid.
§ Colonel DAYBut is the hon. Gentleman aware that the passport application is filled up not as if the artistes are going to work, but as if they are going for a holiday, and that that is for the purpose of avoiding examination?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI should like notice of that question.